Kylian Mbappe has been ruled out for the remainder of the international window after suffering a knee injury during France’s 1-0 Nations League victory over Turkey.
The Real Madrid forward scored the only goal of the match in Zinedine Zidane’s first game as France manager, extending his national-team record to 67 goals. Mbappe converted a pass from Michael Olise to give France the lead but appeared to suffer an injury immediately afterwards. He was visibly limping and was substituted five minutes after scoring.
Zidane said the striker’s knee had swollen and that France would not risk aggravating the injury by keeping him with the squad.
“Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good. I think he’ll have to go back,” Zidane said.
“We’re not going to take any risks. He has swelling in the knee. It’s not encouraging.”
The injury means Mbappe will miss the rest of France’s fixtures during the current international window.
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France held on to their lead despite Turkey’s late push. The hosts were reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir was sent off for handling the ball outside. The match also marked the beginning of Zidane’s tenure as France’s senior manager.
The former France midfielder and 1998 World Cup winner replaced Didier Deschamps following this summer’s World Cup. It is Zidane’s first senior managerial role outside Real Madrid. He guided the Spanish club to three Champions League titles and two La Liga championships across two spells.
